Chapter 270 Lady Han Makes Clothes from Leather
How could the livestock be calling for help? Especially when these animals appeared normal, just a bit weak, swaying as they moved. Unlike typical livestock, the more he looked at them, the more unsettling they became. Hu Ma only noticed what was off about them when he heard them calling for help. It was their eyes, which bore an expression of... a human gaze! That expression made them increasingly unsettling and even started to evoke a sense of panic. This was more terrifying than encountering any wandering spirits.
Hu Ma felt shocked, instinctively stepping back a bit to shield Xiang behind him, and also placed his hand on the hilt of his weapon.
He realized what this was. Beast Creation. The manor was filled with the products of Beast Creation, implying these livestock could all be human. The miserable state of Sister Wu He he'd seen earlier resurfaced in his mind, making him instantly alert and dispelling the sense of reassurance he initially had, assuming he was visiting his own people, with only superficial worry. A sudden doubt arose—could it be that the Burning Blade's words were false, deceitfully luring him into this demonic lair?
But just as his heart teetered on the brink of terror and suspicion, a lazy voice rang out suddenly, saying,
"The one in front of you is a murderous thief. For two silver coins and half a pound of Tai Sui, he snuck into someone's home at night, slaughtering the entire family, including a three-year-old baby whom he threw into a pot after smashing to death.
"By the time I got there, one of his legs was already gone.
"The one to his left is a rapist, who learned some Trick Door skills and uses them to climb over walls and violate innocent people.
"He has a peculiar taste, preferring to strike before a woman is married.
"The better the marriage, the more interested he becomes.
"In less than half a year, he drove several brides to hang themselves.
"..."
Hu Ma and Xiang were both shocked, quickly looking up to see a figure behind a haystack, the source of the voice.
As she worked, she spoke slowly, "The one further over used to lead people into bandit traps during famine years, selling them as 'two-legged sheep' just to earn some meat for himself.
"As for the one who sobbed the most, he's far more sinful...
"..."
While speaking, the figure slowly emerged, saying, "He dared to steal from my manor, even caught a sheep to roast and eat.
"So I made him take its place.
"..."
Her speech was slow, but her voice was intensely unsettling.
As she finally emerged from behind the haystack and walked through the thin mist that lingered throughout the manor, Hu Ma and Xiang suddenly felt their vision brighten.
They saw that it was a woman in her twenties, her aura peculiar. Although she looked charming and stunning, she had a towel wrapped around her head, a smoking pipe tied around her waist, and carried a bundle of hay, looking at them with an indifferent expression.
She cast a glance at both of them and said coolly, "What, are you here to steal too?"
Her face was extremely beautiful, but her gaze sent shivers down one's spine.
Xiang, meeting her gaze, was frightened and quickly lowered her head, shaking it vigorously without daring to respond.
Is this Miss Red Wine?
Hu Ma was surprised, filled with curiosity about her, but remembered the "jianghu rules" the Burning Blade had told him. He quickly offered a slight bow to her, saying, "Please don't misunderstand, ma'am. We came seeking help; may I ask if you are..."
"Seeking help?"
Upon hearing these words, the village woman's face appeared to show a strange expression.
With a half-smile, she sized up Hu Ma before nodding slightly, then sneered, "Do we know each other?"
"No, we don't."
Hu Ma shook his head immediately, pulling out a gray cloth from his sleeve, saying, "But I got a wanted notice at the Jade Ice Hall, and I know you possess a chivalrous heart in the Colorful Clothes Sect, fighting evil and injustice.
"You even issued a reward for the heads of several demon people of the Beggar Gang on Pingnan Road, and it just so happens...
"I don't have their heads with me, but..."
After a pause, he smiled with some difficulty. "They did die by my hand."
As he said this, both Hu Ma and the woman were prepared; it was just part of the process. Yet, Xiang beside him was stunned, lifting her head to look at Hu Ma.
As she tried to process this information, the village woman across from them was momentarily taken aback, then suddenly began to laugh coldly, "Kid, we of the Trick Door have quick hands and sharp eyes. I can tell you're a Shousui man. You haven't Entered the Mansion yet, have you?
"I've wanted to get rid of that Godmother Cui and the White Bone Whip on Pingnan Road for a long time, but I've been too busy taking care of the livestock to get around to it.
"I've heard about their skills; they're not weak. So where did you get the ability to eliminate them?
"..."
Not a single one of them is a bad actor...
Hu Ma sighed inwardly, then straightened his back, took out several items, and placed them on the ground.
They included a broken memorial tablet, an obviously snapped whip with white bone pieces still attached, a craftsman's ruler, and a wooden puppet marked with nail holes, among other things.
He spoke loudly, "I didn't bring their heads, but I have the tools they regularly used as proof.
"To be honest, eliminating these demon people was partly luck. I had help from a great walking ghost at the time, but she was injured and has since returned.
"I arrived in Anzhou, pushed to a dead end. After asking around, I learned that you, ma'am, had issued a wanted notice for the heads of these demon people, so I came to try my luck. I trust that your deep hatred for evil means you won't ignore this.
"..."
"Such childish words!"
Hu Ma's righteous speech shook Xiang profoundly.
But the woman across from them just chuckled softly, amused, and said, "But how did you find yourself with nowhere to turn?
"Do tell. Were these demon people's allies chasing you?
"..."
"Sort of."
Knowing his chance had come, Hu Ma quickly said, "The trouble involves this young lady beside me.
"She is actually..."
He turned to Xiang and looked at her, then deliberately left the sentence unfinished, continuing instead, "the daughter of a prominent family in Lingshou Prefecture. Unfortunately, she had a bitter fate and was abducted by Godmother Cui from Pingnan Road and sold to Mingzhou.
"I rescued her by chance and wanted to send a message for her family to pick her up, but there was no response from them. So, I could only personally escort her towards Lingshou Prefecture.
"Unexpectedly, we were discovered on the road by that Godmother Cui, who gathered a group of demon people to silence us...
"..."
As he spoke, he recounted the general course of events, his voice filled with righteous indignation, perfectly portraying a kind-hearted and chivalrous country youth.
Xiang was so moved she was on the verge of tears.
Initially, she had only heard Hu Ma say they needed to take a gamble, without understanding why. Now she finally understood. The young master had no other options left... He was merely a little shopkeeper of the Blood Food Gang. Bringing her this far was already the extent of his capabilities. If they were to continue towards Lingshou Prefecture, who knew what dangers they might encounter? He was truly at his wit's end. So, had he boldly sought help from fellow members of the jianghu?
But Hu Ma and the village woman—or rather, Miss Red Wine—wouldn't let her understand so quickly. Miss Red Wine was also an excellent actor. Showing a surprised expression, she said, "Are there still such naive young men these days?
"Oh, you have a good heart, but your little head isn't quite sharp enough. You've played the part of a good person, but have you truly understood this girl?
"If she were really from an ordinary prominent family, how could she attract so much trouble?
"..."
In response to this, Hu Ma merely feigned difficulty and didn't answer, while Xiang lowered her head, deep in thought.
The village woman, however, suddenly smiled and said, "But it doesn't matter. I'm from the Colorful Clothes Sect. We who practice illusions are numerous and varied; quite a few degenerates have emerged from our ranks, and it's my responsibility to eliminate them.
"The Beggar Gang, when it comes down to it, should be under the jurisdiction of our Trick Door. By eliminating Godmother Cui and those few degenerates, you've indeed done our Trick Door a favor.
"But to just show up at my door like this, expecting my help?"
She chuckled softly, looking at Hu Ma, and then said in a low voice, "I don't even know what kind of trouble you're in, nor how much effort it would take to help you. Yet you come so boldly to my door asking. Do you think that's appropriate?"
"Ah?"
Her question left Hu Ma dumbfounded. Wasn't he told that if he followed the jianghu rules when approaching her, Miss Red Wine would naturally go with the flow and help him? How was it that even after he had said so much, she still hadn't agreed? What was his next line supposed to be?
Just as confusion clouded his mind, he suddenly heard Lady Han's tone change as she muttered to herself, "But being able to eliminate those demon people shows that you, kid, do have some ability.
"How about this: if you agree to feed the livestock in my manor here for a few years, then I can consider listening to what kind of help you're seeking from me. What do you say?
"..."
"This..."
Hu Ma's face immediately showed reluctance, and he seemed to hesitate.
"Absolutely not!"
But at that moment, Xiang suddenly cried out, stunning both Hu Ma, who had been about to agree, and Miss Red Wine.
She then glanced at Hu Ma and said quietly, "Young Master, I can't let you suffer such a disadvantage for my sake anymore!"
Then, this slender young girl, still dressed in the dirty and messy clothes she had worn to conceal her identity, lightly smoothed them down and slowly walked forward.
In that moment, her demeanor seemed to transform, carrying the dignified grace of someone from a prominent family.
She carefully approached Miss Red Wine, offered a gentle curtsy, and said, "Senior, I know who you are...
"My father once told me about several experts in Anzhou. Among them was Lady Han Who Strips and Makes Clothes, an expert from the Trick Door. That must be you, right?
"I am Li Xiangyu, daughter of the Li Family of Lingshou Prefecture, who guards the pass at Big Stone Cliff. I am here to pay my respects to you, Senior.
"Please, Senior, for the sake of the Ghost Cave Li Family, help us overcome this trial and send me home..."